Are MOT exemption changes now on the horizon for classic cars?

It appears that classic car owners in the UK could soon face some significant changes regarding the MOT exemption status of their vehicles. Currently, vehicles built or registered over 40 years ago are exempt from annual MOT tests, provided they haven’t undergone any substantial modifications in the last 30 years. However, a recent consultation by the UK Government put forward suggestions that this exemption could be reconsidered, and over two fifths of the respondents to the proposals agreed with this idea in some form.

So what could the potential impact be for many classic car owners? Let’s take a look below.

The current MOT exemption for classics

Under existing rules, cars first registered more than 40 years ago are exempt from both road tax and mandatory MOT testing, as long as they remain largely unaltered from their original specifications. You can find the current rules here as to what the MOT exemption criteria is.

What are some of the proposed or likely changes?

The consultation process indicated that the Government is considering plans to reintroduce mandatory MOT tests - or other similar checks - for classic cars over 40 years old.

Even if the end result is not a requirement for a full MOT, then having at least some ‘age-appropriate’ checks in place has been suggested as being a good idea, with 41% of respondents to the consultation thinking that this would be the better option (with just 18% of people favouring a full MOT). It has also been put forward by those in the industry that one-off safety checks would be appropriate for any classics that have had a major rebuild, or perhaps a roadworthiness check for classics that have spent time in storage.

And how about the implications for classic car owners?

If these type of changes are implemented, classic car owners would need to subject their vehicles to MOT inspections or checks, similar to that of modern cars. This shift would ensure that the majority of vehicles on UK roads would meet consistent safety standards, regardless of their age. For owners, this would mean increased maintenance requirements, to ensure that the car doesn’t fail its checks, and a need to take any remedial action required to ensure the car is legally allowed on the road. 

That means there are obviously some costs, then, that would be incurred. While some classic owners already opt for voluntary MOTs, mandatory testing could introduce additional expenses for those who currently choose to forgo the process.

It has been suggested by some that maintaining originality while meeting modern safety standards could pose challenges for owners, especially for vehicles with outdated parts and components.

Currently, classic car owners tend to enjoy the flexibility of maintaining their vehicles without the obligation of annual MOT tests, instead relying on personal diligence to ensure the car’s roadworthiness. The proposed changes would formalise any safety checks, removing the discretion currently given to owners.

In essence, although there could be some challenges involved in preserving the original features and parts of our favourite classic cars, it is likely to be seen as a good idea that at least some form of safety check is done for every car on the road, regardless of its age or status, to help increase the safety of all of us drivers and passengers.

A final decision on this consultation is yet to be announced, and it could be some time until it is.

We’ll stay on top of the issue and let you know of any updates as they occur!